Matthew G. Marsh
In its earliest stages, Vedic civilization was semi-nomadic, particularly between 1500 BCE—1000 BCE, and relied on a mix of agriculture and pastoral economy to survive. During this period, the primary agricultural crops continued to be wheat varieties and barley. The basic plow and other farming implements, primarily flint or stone tools rather than bronze, that had been used by Indus farmers would continue to be used by the Vedic farmers. The only addition to the types of domesticated animals raised was the horse, which would take the place of oxen in the transportation of goods. In line with a semi-nomadic civilization, cattle played a major role in Vedic society and were the chief form of wealth for Indo-Aryan tribes.[1]
In the later Vedic period, after about 1000 BCE, historians see the nomadism of the early Aryan migrants shifting into a more settled lifestyle. As later waves of Indo-Aryan tribes migrated into India the main area of settlement shifted from northwestern India to the Ganges River Valley. While cattle were still an important part of Vedic life, a semi-nomadic lifestyle could not meet the needs of a growing population. The result was that, as Vedic society grew larger, it began the transition from a semi-nomadic life into a settled existence. As agriculture became more important families began settling into permanent habitation. In addition to the traditional staple crops of wheat and barley, rice is mentioned for the first time, beginning its slow spread into India.[2]
[1]. Antonova et al., History of Ancient India, 36–38; V. M. Apte, “Chapter XIX: Social and Economic Conditions,” in The History and Culture of the Indian People, Vol. I: The Vedic Age, 8th ed., ed. R. C. Majumdar (Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 2015), 398–99; Chopra et al., Comprehensive History, 26–29; Habib and Thakur, The Vedic Age, 6–8; Jha, Ancient India, 46–47; Mehta and Mehta, History of Ancient India, 185–86; and Sharma, India’s Ancient Past, 109–10.
[2]. Antonova et al., History of Ancient India, 36–38; V. M. Apte, “Chapter XXVII: Social and Economic Conditions,” in The History and Culture of the Indian People, Vol. I: The Vedic Age, 8th ed., ed. R. C. Majumdar (Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 2015), 529–30; Chopra et al., Comprehensive History, 32–33; Habib and Thakur, The Vedic Age, 40–48; Jha, Ancient India, 52–55; Mehta and Mehta, History of Ancient India, 185–86; and Sharma, India’s Ancient Past, 117–19, 120.